The vitamins

Are vitamins from natural sources more beneficial than synthetic vitamins?

Τα βιταμινούχα συμπληρώματα διατροφής από τα αποκαλούμενες «φυσικές» πηγές συχνά διαφημίζονται σαν πιο ωφέλιμα από τις συνθετικά παραγόμενες vitamins. Στην πραγματικότητα, οι βιταμίνες από φυσικές πηγές και οι συνθετικές βιταμίνες είναι ουσιαστικά ταυτόσημες ως προς την χημική σύνθεση και δομή ¹. Today there is no strictly scientific evidence to support the claim that one offers more health benefits than the other. Vitamin E remains the only exception: vitamin E from natural sources is known to be more biologically active than synthetic forms ².

Although this greater biological activity means that an increased amount of the synthetic form is required to achieve the same results as the vitamin from natural sources, this difference is taken into account when measuring synthetic vitamin E in international units (IU). Thus, 30 IU of the synthetic vitamin has the same biological activity as 30 IU of the vitamin from natural sources. A major issue in the "natural" vs. synthetic vitamin controversy is cost. Vitamins from natural sources are typically obtained from large amounts of food while synthetic vitamins are produced in a laboratory environment. The raw material (food) requirements for the production of natural vitamins are reflected in the higher overall cost of these forms and make vitamins from natural sources 30% approximately more expensive than synthetically produced vitamins. Another issue that should be considered when the choice has to be made

1. Nierenberg C. Sorting through supplements : How to choose wisely (Part 3), Environmental Nutrition 1991; 14(10):1-4.
2. Webb D. Vitamins, minerals potions & pills: Which supplements for you? American Health 1995; 14(6)48-55.